COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 12, 2007

HEADED ITEM NO.12

HEADED ITEM: H. Department

REVISED HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANT SCHEMES

Conditions of Scheme - The Mobility Aids Housing Grant

1. Purpose of Grant

The Mobility Aids Housing Grant is available to cover a basic suite of works to address mobility problems, primarily, but not exclusively, associated with ageing. The works grant aided under the scheme include:

- Grab-rails;

- Access ramps;

- Level access showers;

- Stair-lifts; and

- Other minor works deemed necessary to facilitate the mobility needs of a member of a household.

2. Level of Grant

The effective maximum grant is €6,000 or 100% the cost of the works, whichever is the lesser. The grant is available to households whose gross annual household income does not exceed €30,000.

3. Household Income

Household income is calculated as the property owner’s annual gross income in the previous tax year, together with that of his or her spouse/partner, if applicable.

In the case of private rented accommodation, household income is calculated as the tenant’s annual gross income in the previous tax year, together with that of his/her spouse, if applicable.

In determining gross household income local authorities shall apply the following disregards:

- €5,000 for each member of the household aged up to age 18 years;

- €5,000 for each member of the household aged between 18 and 23 years and in full time education or engaged in a FAS apprenticeship;

- €5,000 where the person for whom the application for grant aid is sought, is being cared for by a relative on a full-time basis;

- Child Benefit;

- Early Childcare Supplement;

- Family Income Supplement;

- Domiciliary Care Allowance;

- Respite Care Grant;

- Carer’s Benefit / Allowance (where the Carer’s payment is made in respect of the person for whom the application for grant aid is sought).

4. Evidence of household income

The following evidence of income must be included with all applications:

§ In the case of PAYE workers, P60 or Balancing Statement for the previous tax year;

§ In the case of self-employed or farmers, Income Tax Assessment form, together with a copy of accounts for the previous tax year;

§ In the case of social welfare recipients, a statement from Social Welfare stating weekly/annual payments. In the case of State Pensioners a copy of the current pension book will suffice.

(Evidence of household income should be submitted in respect of the property owner and, if applicable, his/her spouse/partner)

5. Tax Requirements

In the case of contractors, the contractor’s name, address, tax reference number and tax district, and the number and expiry date of a certificate of authorisation issued to the contactor by the Revenue Commissioners must be submitted.

6. Appeals Procedure

In processing applications under the Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme the authority recognises that some applicants may be dissatisfied with the authority’s decision. The authority will give every applicant an appeal mechanism, which will allow him or her to have the decision in his or her case reconsidered by another official.

The following procedure shall apply to each appeal:

Applicants are invited to submit a written appeal on any decision notified to them by the local authority on their application within 3 weeks of the date of the decision stating the reasons for the appeal. The appeal will be considered and adjudicated upon within 4 weeks of receipt. A decision on an appeal will be notified to each applicant within 2 weeks of the decision being made.